Matthew 27:53 Meaning: The Mystery of the Raised Saints
and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.
and having come forth out of the tombs after his rising, they went into the holy city, and appeared to many.
and going out of the tombs after his arising, entered into the holy city and appeared unto many.
Meaning in one sentence
Matthew 27:53 describes saints rising from tombs after Jesus' resurrection, appearing in Jerusalem. A powerful sign of Christ's victory over death.
Context
Matthew alone gives us this startling scene. Jesus has just breathed His last. The temple veil rips in two, the ground shakes, rocks split apart. Tombs break open. Then, after Jesus Himself rises, these saints come out of their graves and walk into Jerusalem, the holy city, where many people see them. Matthew places this moment between the crucifixion and the centurion's confession. It shows that Jesus' death is not the end. It unleashes power that reaches even the dead. This is not a side detail. It is the first glimpse of the resurrection harvest Christ will bring.
Key Words
The Greek word for resurrection here is egersis, a rousing, an awakening. It appears only this once in Matthew's Gospel. It suggests a stirring, as if death itself is shaken from sleep. This resurrection does not happen in secret. The saints appeared (from emphanizō). They were made visible, shown plainly to many. The word carries the sense of clear evidence. These were not ghosts or visions. Real people, known in the city, walked the streets. And they entered the holy city (hagios polis). The city was corrupt, as Calvin notes, but God still called it holy because He had chosen it. In that holy place, the dead walked among the living. This tells us: Christ's resurrection has consequences you can see.
How Christians Read This Verse
Methodist commentator Adam Clarke sees this event as proof of the resurrection of the body, established by many witnesses. Baptist scholar John Gill suggests these saints remained on earth until Jesus' ascension, then ascended with Him. Reformed commentators like Calvin point out that Jerusalem is called holy not because of its inhabitants' character but because of God's choosing. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes Matthew alone records this detail, focusing on its sign value. Across traditions, Christians agree this event confirms that Christ's resurrection is the firstfruits of a coming harvest. What happened to these saints afterward is not revealed, and the Church has not resolved it.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume these saints rose from their tombs as soon as Jesus died, because the graves are opened in verse 52. Verse 53 carefully says they came out 'after his resurrection.' Christ is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18). He rises first. These saints follow as witnesses to His victory, not as co-risen rivals.
Living This Out
This week, consider what it means that death has been breached. You may be grieving someone you love, or fearing your own end. The opened tombs say: Christ has gone ahead. He has already walked through death and out the other side. You can bring your fear or grief to Him. And like those saints, you are called to be a visible witness to this hope, not by performing miracles, but by living as someone who believes death is not the final word. Let that shape how you speak to one hurting person this week.
Main takeaway: Because Jesus rose from the dead, those who belong to Him will also rise, and death has lost its power.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When Jesus died, the ground shook and some graves opened. After Jesus came back to life, some people who had died also came back to life and walked into Jerusalem. This shows that Jesus is stronger than death.
For ages 9, 12
Jesus' death and resurrection changed everything. At the moment He died, tombs split open, but the people inside did not rise until after Jesus Himself rose. Then they walked into Jerusalem and many people saw them. This was a sign that Jesus is the first to rise from the dead forever, and everyone who trusts Him will also be raised one day. It proves that death is not the end for God's people.
Questions People Ask
Did these saints rise before Jesus?
No. Verse 53 says they came out of the tombs 'after his resurrection.' Jesus is the first to rise to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20). The saints followed as witnesses to His victory.
What happened to these saints afterward?
The Bible does not tell us. Some early Christian writers, like John Gill, suggested they remained until Jesus' ascension and then ascended with Him. Others think they may have died again. The Church has not settled this, and the text does not require us to know.
Why does only Matthew record this event?
Each Gospel writer highlights different details. Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the cosmic impact of Christ's death. This event underscores that Jesus' death and resurrection have power over death itself.
What does 'the holy city' mean here?
Jerusalem is called holy because God chose it as the place of His temple and His presence. As Calvin notes, even when the city was corrupt, God's claim on it remained until its final rejection.
How does this event relate to the general resurrection?
It foreshadows the future resurrection of all believers. The raising of these saints shows that Christ's victory over death is not just for Himself, it is the guarantee that all who belong to Him will also rise.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study